To get the most out of a text-generating AI program, such as ChatGPT, you need to write a good prompt. It’s not as intuitive as you might expect. Here are our top 5 tips, using a relevant example for PR professionals, on how to craft the best AI prompts to generate higher-quality text.
- Introduce the topic. Start by talking to the AI like a person you’re giving a task. For example, “Today, we’re going to write an informational blog post on SEO for marketing professionals.” Talking to AI in this informal helps shift your mindset—imagine you’re asking a friend to do something, who maybe doesn’t know that much about the topic and needs very clear instructions and explanation. To start, establish an umbrella topic, preparing the AI for your specific and detailed instructions down the line.
- Give the AI a role or identity to assume. Using our same example, we’d write: “You’re a public relations and marketing expert who specializes in SEO. You have expertise in optimizing websites for search engines, growing site traffic, and selecting targeted keywords.” By setting up the AI’s role, you’re clarifying the perspective that you’d like the text to be written from and providing important subject keywords and jargon.
- Assign it a task. Specify exactly what you want it to do. Use specific verbs, such as write, summarize, rewrite, etc. Give it a word count, format, and/or style. “Write a short blog post with 5 bullet point tips on SEO for marketing professionals, maximum 500 words.”
- Provide context, examples, or relevant background information. You can copy and paste your own text and ask it to write in a similar style. Or give it a bulleted list of facts to include. For example:
“Use the following background information:
– Almost 93% of all searches worldwide were made on Google in 2022.
– Companies that publish blogs have 55% more traffic than sites that don’t, according to a 2022 HubSpot study.
– The more backlinks a site has, the higher the organic traffic numbers.”
- Tell the AI to execute. You’ve given it a lot of information, and with a long prompt, it might need to be reminded to put it all together and start creating. “Write the blog post in a friendly, professional tone. Cite your sources.”
Let’s put it all together. Here’s our full prompt:
Here’s ChatGPT’s response:
Title: 5 Essential SEO Tips for Marketing Professionals
In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) remains a cornerstone for success. SEO isn’t just about getting your website to rank higher on search engines; it’s about attracting the right audience and driving meaningful results. Here are five crucial SEO tips tailored for marketing professionals:
Master Keyword Research 🎯
Keywords are the foundation of SEO. Start by conducting thorough keyword research to identify the terms and phrases your target audience is using. Tools like Google Keyword Planner and SEMrush can help you uncover high-impact keywords with substantial search volume. Utilize long-tail keywords to capture more specific, lower-competition search queries. Incorporate these keywords strategically into your website content, including blog posts, product descriptions, and meta tags.
Source: Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush
Quality Content is King 👑
Content remains a potent driver of organic traffic. Regularly publishing high-quality, informative, and engaging content not only keeps your audience coming back for more but also boosts your search engine rankings. According to a 2022 HubSpot study, companies that publish blogs have 55% more traffic than those that don’t.
Source: HubSpot
Remember, it’s not just about quantity; it’s about delivering real value to your readers. Craft content that answers their questions, solves their problems, and educates them about your products or services.
Optimize for User Experience 🖥️
User experience is a critical factor in SEO. Google and other search engines reward websites that offer a seamless and enjoyable browsing experience. Ensure that your site is mobile-friendly, loads quickly, and has clear navigation. Organize your content logically, using headings and subheadings to make it easy for users to find information. The better the user experience, the longer visitors will stay on your site, reducing bounce rates and improving your search rankings.
Build Quality Backlinks 🔗
Backlinks, or inbound links from other websites to yours, are like votes of confidence in the eyes of search engines. The more high-quality backlinks your site has, the higher your organic traffic numbers are likely to be. However, focus on quality over quantity. Seek backlinks from authoritative and relevant sources in your industry. Guest posting on reputable blogs, participating in industry forums, and creating shareable, link-worthy content are effective strategies to earn backlinks.
Monitor and Adapt 📈
SEO is an ongoing process. Regularly monitor your website’s performance using tools like Google Analytics and Search Console. Keep an eye on your keyword rankings, organic traffic, and user behavior. Analyze this data to identify trends and areas for improvement. SEO algorithms evolve, and what worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. Stay updated with industry news and algorithm changes to adapt your strategies accordingly.
Additionally, consider conducting regular SEO audits to identify and fix issues that might be holding your website back. Address issues like broken links, duplicate content, and slow page speed promptly.
Remember, SEO is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor your strategies to your specific industry, target audience, and business goals. By following these tips and staying committed to ongoing optimization, you’ll be well on your way to harnessing the power of SEO to drive organic traffic and achieve marketing success.
In Conclusion
In 2022, nearly 93% of all global searches were conducted on Google. With the right SEO strategies, you can tap into this vast pool of potential customers. Start by conducting keyword research, creating high-quality content, optimizing user experience, building quality backlinks, and staying vigilant through regular monitoring and adaptation. SEO is a dynamic field, and by mastering these fundamentals, marketing professionals can position their businesses for long-term online success.
Not bad, eh?! It’s almost 100 words too long and needs an edit, but ChatGPT mostly met the brief. Feel free to repeat all or parts of the process, tweaking words for slightly varied outputs. Give it a different role to change the perspective, e.g. a journalist or social media manager. Don’t forget to fact-check its responses. Ask the AI program to cite sources or justify itself after the fact by asking, “Why do you think that?” Just remember, AI doesn’t “think.”
For more helpful tips, dos and don’ts, check out our AI Guide for PR Pros and Tips for Prompting Image Generating AI.
Do you use ChatGPT or other large language models in your work? Are you going to start? Barber Communications helps clients implement tools like ChatGPT in their strategic communications. Need some support? Get in touch!
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